Each year, the Thunder and Sprite team up to encourage students to celebrate Black History Month by entering the Black History Heroes Challenge. This year, hundreds of students from around the state sent in essays, artwork, photography and multimedia projects highlighting the achievements of an outstanding individual in black history or an impactful African-American in their life.

Submissions were divided into five age groups and each one was carefully considered by members of the Thunder staff given the tough task of picking this year’s winners. Last night, the Thunder recognized the winners in each of five age groups before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kindergarten-First-grade Division:

First grader Elijah Alsup attends Dove Science Academy in Oklahoma City and submitted an essay and drawing of Lonnie George Johnson, the inventor of the Super Soaker water toy.